Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State to host international item silent auction

November 8, 2012

Indiana State University will host a silent auction Nov. 14 featuring a variety of items from around the world.

More than 100 items, including a variety of jewelry and clothing such as scarves and handmade bags, will be featured at the event on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede I. The funding raised by the silent auction, which includes new items donated by ISU faculty, staff and students, will be used to provide additional student programming.

"People can start their holiday shopping season with an international touch," said Zachariah Mathew, associate director of the ISU Office of International Programs and Services, which is sponsoring the silent auction. "There are quite a few items like that people won't be able to find in stores."ISU students from around the world will volunteer to run the event, and they also have helped the international office with some of the logistics. For several students, it will be the first time they will volunteer with a fundraising event, Mathew said.

"The event is about the students feeling empowered and knowing they are contributing to the university," he added. "It is also an experiential learning opportunity for students volunteering at the event."

The Office of International Programs and Services provides a variety of cultural programming throughout the year, from sponsoring guest speakers to organizing coffee hours, which featured international students teaching people about their home country while leading a discussion about additional details and answering participants' questions.

Earlier this month, the international office sponsored a Heritage Day Fair, which included representatives from countries from around the world, along with the Islamic Center of Terre Haute and the United Hebrew Congregation to teach people more about global cultures.

"This could also be an opportunity for people to meet some international students and talk," Mathew said of the silent auction, "and learn a bit more about the ISU community."

Story Highlights

More than 100 items, including a variety of jewelry and clothing such as scarves and handmade bags, will be featured at the event on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede I.